Monday, May 2, 2011
Odysseus' humanity
Even though Odysseus is thought of as a hero, and has the reputation of almost being a god of all men, he still contains flaws, which is what makes him such a human character, one that we can relate to. He is evidently human, especially in Book Ten, with Circe. Even after spending 8 years with Calypso, and after almost arriving to his kingdom, he lingers to stay a year with Circe, and has to be reminded by his crew mates that it is time to leave. Like both Gilgamesh and Rama, even though Odysseus is thought to be a super human, Odysseus is still a mortal and therefore flawed. Like the other two heroes we have studied this year, Odysseus is on both a figurative and a literal journey. Odysseus has too much pride, self-confidence, and hubris in the beginning of the story. I think this is the reason that Athena, his biggest supporter, lets him find his own way home, no matter how many obstacles he encounters along the way. She is there to help keep him from serious harm, but she doesn’t keep bad things from happening to him. I think the reason for her approach is that she wants him to learn some humility and have his pride lowered in order for him to become a better man.
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To piggyback on what Khari has said, I agree that Odysseus' role as a hero is always tested. He is the perfect example of a tragic hero, because in his literal and mental journey, everything that can go wrong, and without the god's help, he wouldn't get anywhere. Odysseus is a great hero for the Greeks because he is just a mortal, not a god or demi-god, a regular man, even still he uses his wisdom and strength to lead his men through difficult trials, and no matter where he is, his ultimate goal is to get back to his wife and his kingdom of Ithaca. Odysseus is the perfect role model for mortal man.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both Bryce and Khari, throughout this book Odysseus is thought of as a hero, but has many flaws throughout all of his journeys. He wants the best for himself, he is in a way selfish.. he really wants to just get home like Bryce says, I don't really think he cares much about his men that are with him. He is mortal though, anyone who is mortal is going to make mistakes and they are going to get in fights and lose fights. I agree again with what Bryce says "Odysseus is the perfect tole model for mortal man". (:
ReplyDeleteEllye